COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY for G-PAS

A Communications Strategy for the Global Environment Facility Pacific Alliance for Sustainability




















Acronyms & Abbreviations

ADB
Asian Development Bank
AusAID
Australian Agency for International Development
CBO
Community-based organization
CROP
Council for Regional Organizations
CSP
Country Support Program
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization
EU
European Union
IWP
International Waters Project
GEF
Global Environment Facility
GEF-PAS
Global Environment Facility Pacific Alliance for Sustainability
GEFSA
Global Environment Facility Support Adviser
GEFSec
Global Environment Facility Secretariat (Washington)
IA
Implementing Agency
NGO
Nongovernment organization
NZAID
New Zealand International Aid & Development Agency
OFP
Operational Focal Point
PFP
Political Focal Point
PIC
Pacific Island country
SOPAC
Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission
SPREP
Secretariat of the Pacific Region Environment Program
UNDP
United Nations Development Program
UNEP
United Nations Environment Program
USP
The University of the South Pacific


Executive Summary

The Global Environment Facility Pacific Alliance for Sustainability (GEF-PAS) is a unique response to address the issue of access to GEF funds. Through GEF-PAS, resources are used more effectively in the Region, thereby improving the global and national environments. Access to GEF funds in the Pacific Region has been low compared to other parts of the developing world.[1] The new approach has been acknowledged by Pacific Island leaders as an improvement that will be “nationally driven and help to overcome many of the constraints the Region has faced in the past”.[2]

The GEF-PAS has the potential to be an early and substantive demonstration of the benefits of the GEF compact for both developing countries and the global environment. It could also influence the preparation of additional, comprehensive, regionally coordinated, and nationally executed strategic investment programs.

Targeting environmental and natural resources management, GEF-PAS projects will build local capacity; provide access to outside knowledge on improving environmental management; improve the mainstreaming of the environment in national and regional development planning; and encourage sustainable environmental management. Accomplishing this focused activity, the GEF-PAS will assist the Pacific Island countries (PIC) to work through a comprehensive checklist:

(a) Balancing community-focused actions, country-based drivenness, regional coordination, and delivery of global benefits;
(b) Ensuring that GEF modalities are more reflective of national and regional circumstances;
(c) Adopting an integrated, programmatic approach rather than a focal area and project-based approach;
(d) Balancing national and regional projects;
(e) Emphasizing on-the-ground action rather than planning and assessments;
(f) Ensuring that countries and the Region have the absorptive capacity required to undertake activities in an efficient and effective manner;
(g) Recognizing the limited co-financing opportunities for environment-related projects in Pacific Island countries and
(h) Sharing expertise and information.

It is anticipated that 2008 will see the fresh start required to demonstrate to eligible Pacific Island countries that there are tangible benefits for their communities through access to the GEF-PAS. Effective communication will be instrumental in the success of the program. Information about benefits must be shared more widely, processes must be transparent and simplified, and the roles of different stakeholders must be clearly defined and articulated. The GEF-PAS must be seen to be working with the existing regional institutional frameworks and policy platforms in particular the Pacific Plan and the Micronesia Challenge. It must be seen to be responsive to the Pacific.

The overarching goal of the GEF-PAS Communications Plan is to position the program as a leading facilitator of environmental protection in the Pacific. The message should herald GEF-PAS for its work to improve the livelihoods of local communities, nations, the Region, and the world by building local capacity and sustainability, and improving the mainstreaming of the environment on national and regional agendas. The Communications Plan is consistent with the GEF Communications Strategy endorsed by GEF Council in November 2007.[3]

The principles that underpin the GEF-PAS Communications Plan are fundamental to successful communication: consistency, transparency, responsiveness, timeliness, accessibility, and relevance to the needs of target groups. They align with the Pacific Aid Effectiveness Principles adopted by Pacific Islands Forum leaders in response to the Paris Declaration.[4] The country is central to the project. The Communications Plan is designed to give a country confidence in, and ownership of, the processes. The objective is to re-focus the regional discussion about GEF, moving it from a process-dominated discussion to people-focused actions with tangible benefits to the environment of community, country, region, and the Earth.

The activities and tools used to implement the GEF-PAS Communications Plan will vary according to target groups and will take into account differences in access to telecommunications and mass media, remoteness, and cost of transportation.

Key recommendations for a GEF-PAS Communications Plan:

· Invest in recruitment of a GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator[5] hosted either by a regional agency such as the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) or a leading GEF-PAS project such as the International Waters Project (IWP) in the Pacific to develop and support Pacific-focused communications tools and events, and lead media and promotional strategy; host agency and long-term funding to be determined.

· Key stakeholders effectively communicate their roles and responsibilities; these include implementing agencies, regional technical agencies, GEF Political and Operational Focal Points (PFP & OFP), and GEF Secretariat (Washington) and/or a Pacific-based GEF-PAS coordinating body.

· Create network of information and community education liaison contacts in implementing agencies, regional technical agencies, PIC governments and nongovernmental organization (NGO) umbrella organizations and relevant community-based organizations (CBO) in order to share information and raise the profile of the GEF-PAS;

· Creation of branded GEF-PAS web pages on the UNDP- hosted GEF Country Support Program (CSP) website for blogs, success stories, and process/timeline updates; and links to the main GEF website, other implementing agencies, regional technical agencies and other relevant sites such as the Micronesia Challenge;

· GEF-PAS, Investing in our Planet: a Pacific regional response, a high profile public launch in the Pacific in late 2008 or early 2009 coinciding if possible with a significant regional meeting;

· Pacific regional and national GEF-PAS information workshops in the second half of 2008 for PIC governments, implementing agencies, regional technical agencies, NGOs to explain any new processes and update stakeholders on outcomes of the GEF Council regarding GEF-PAS and progress regarding projects in the “pipe-line”;

· Reinforce understanding of benefits of access to GEF-PAS funding with different stakeholders at country and regional level including PIC governments, GEF agencies (implementing agencies & regional technical agencies), donors and participating NGO and CBO through shared information regarding successes;

· GEF-PAS processes and timelines clearly outlined in publications updated when necessary;

· GEF-PAS monitoring and evaluation to provide input through successes and lessons learned for communications activities as part of the Communications Plan;

· Assist in the development of political ownership and momentum by PIC governments encouraging governments and ministers to play a leading role in public events and announcements;

· Promote the CSP resources available to Political and Operational Focal Points;

· Development of GEF-PAS publications including simple factsheets, email updates, and brief quarterly newsletter about country activities and human interest success stories; DVDs to share information at important regional meetings and community events;

· Media and public community awareness strategy at country, sub-regional and regional levels to raise awareness about GEF-PAS through success stories and also to aid transparency with public announcements about project approvals and progress;

· GEF Secretariat in Washington and implementing agencies agree to undertake further work to harmonize processes, including simplification of templates;

· A GEF-PAS coordinating body in the Pacific, should this be established, would need to be closely linked with communications activities.




I. Objectives for a GEF-PAS Communications Plan
In June 2007 the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council called for a new communications and outreach strategy as a key component for reform to improve the accessibility of the investment facility. There are five principle objectives of this overarching strategy endorsed by the GEF Council in November 2007:

· Create a clear GEF corporate identity.
· Speak with a unified GEF voice (targeted to GEF partners).
· Position GEF as a leader on the global environment (targeted to the public).
· Communicate effectively with GEF (targeted to expanded interest groups)
· Embed GEF messages at country and regional levels.

Access to GEF funds in the Pacific Region has been low compared to other parts of the developing world.[6] The GEF Pacific Alliance for Sustainability (GEF-PAS) is a unique response crafted to address more effective use of GEF resources in the Region, thereby improving the global and national environments. This approach has been acknowledged by Pacific Region leaders as an improvement that will be “nationally driven and help to overcome many of the constraints the Region has faced in the past”.[7] The GEF- PAS offers hope for the people of the Region as they deal with many challenges.

Reasons for GEF-PAS Communications Plan

A GEF-PAS Communications Plan will help GEF meet its objective to work with the people and institutions of the Pacific Region to “protect the global commons,” as well as support the objectives of the overarching GEF communications and outreach strategy. The Communications Plan will help the Pacific Islands to strengthen the following areas that have been barriers to development in the past:

· Regional focus. The GEF-PAS is a response to particular needs identified by Pacific Island countries (PIC). It is new and different and needs to be clearly explained to all stakeholders. Participants need to be clear about roles and responsibilities so that it has the best possible chance of working for the Pacific Region.

· Country driven. A key element of the new response is “country-based drivenness” that needs to move beyond the rhetoric to the reality required thereby empowering a nation to develop its own national and regional solution.

· Political ownership. Political ownership of national solutions to global environmental problems is weak in the Pacific Region. Promotion of national benefits as well as opportunities for government leaders to be at the center of the environmental movement should help strengthen it and assist with momentum.

· Clarity of process for stakeholders. Getting larger projects started in the Region is due in part to confusion among stakeholders about access and process, the high propensity for systems to change, and the absence of a co-ordinated program to promote and assist Pacific Island countries to improve their understanding of and access to GEF.[8] Stakeholders must have a clear and well-described path to follow toward successful program funding and implementation.

· Clarity of communication. Communities are increasingly concerned about dwindling natural resources, climate change, and rising sea levels. These concerned citizens must wade through diverse messages that could have impact on livelihoods, but either do not know where to turn or have the capacity to make the connections between actions and consequences at local, national, regional, and global levels.

· Trust and confidence. GEF needs to (re)build trust and confidence among Pacific Island countries.

The reasons why GEF-PAS needs a communications plan would be essential to any successful program. The principles underpinning the GEF-PAS Communications Plan are fundamental to any effective communication strategy:

· Consistency
· Predictability
· Transparency
· Responsiveness
· Timeliness
· Accessibility
· Relevance

Applying these principles should lead to increased awareness of the benefits of GEF-PAS; confidence and trust in processes; and, ultimately an appropriate higher level of successful Pacific engagement in the GEF. The principles should be applied by all participants in their communication.

Although the GEF Secretariat (GEFSec) in Washington is working to streamline GEF processes, the issue of broader donor harmonization continues to be raised in the Pacific Region. Following a recent meeting of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Koror, Palau, Ministers encouraged “development partners to improve coordination of donor assistance consistent with the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness.”[9] The Ministers were urging improved technical assistance missions and enhanced dialogue and information sharing to lessen the demands on limited human resources among the Pacific Island countries. It follows that the GEF Secretariat and implementing agencies should work together to harmonize processes and simplify templates and timelines. It also follows that PIC Operational Focal Points should improve their communication with stakeholders using any available resources.

Reaching the Pacific Island audience is a complex task. Remoteness of communities, poor access to (expensive) telecommunications services, high transport costs, and low literacy levels tend to work against effective use of the mainstream media to deliver messages. In communities without telephones and access to the Internet, mainstream media and awareness events are not going to reach a mass audience but are useful for reaching politicians, opinion-makers, and other leaders. An effective communication strategy would apply a variety of methods and tools including local outreach through community-based organizations, NGOs, schools, and churches. Traditional leaders within a community should be included in the communications team, as well as individuals working in the private sector.





II. Background of GEF Pacific Alliance for Sustainability
The GEF-PAS addresses environmental and natural resources management issues in 15 countries.[10] These countries are eligible for GEF funding as a result of being parties to one or more (possibly all) of the following five GEF-supported conventions and related protocols:

· Convention on Biological Diversity,
· Framework Convention on Climate Change,
· Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants,
· Convention to Combat Desertification, and
· Montreal Protocol.

A regionally coordinated, nationally executed program, the GEF-PAS offers a unique opportunity to assist individual countries to meet national and regional sustainable development goals. Some stakeholders also view the GEF-PAS as an opportunity to increase the level of coordination and harmonization among regional technical agencies, donors, and other development partners.[11] PIC leaders acknowledge that significant progress has been made to improve their access to GEF resources through a “regional modality of access (GEF-PAS) that will be nationally driven and help to overcome many of the constraints the region has faced in the past.”[12]

A unique institutional feature of the Pacific Region is the network of specialized regional agencies, supported by individual countries and international donors, that deliver technical services to the Region—resources well beyond the scope of the individual States. This group of agencies is called the Council for Regional Organizations in the Pacific (CROP). The varied services include tertiary education by the University of the South Pacific (USP); agricultural and health capacity development out of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community; environmental adaptation programs administered by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) and Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC); and high-level policy development through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Central to CROP, the Forum Secretariat supports PIC leaders.

Until relatively recently, it was difficult to get environment and conservation issues onto a national development planning agenda. The 2003 GEF Small Grants Program report on the Pacific noted:
More immediate priority has been given to basic needs such as alleviating poverty, food security and earning money for survival, which have sometimes been seen erroneously as conflicting with environmental priorities. This has often led to policies focusing on short-term over-exploitation of natural resources, monoculture cash crops and environmental degradation, depleting the resource base for future development.[13]

These issues are now being addressed at regional and subregional levels and many countries are well advanced in the process of strengthening their national sustainable development plans. The GEF-PAS supports the principles of the Pacific Plan and the Micronesia Challenge and is embedded in these significant regional strategies.

The Pacific Plan

In October 2005 Pacific Islands Forum leaders endorsed a framework for regional development called the Pacific Plan.[14] The Pacific Plan is central to strengthening regional cooperation and integration efforts that benefit all Pacific Islands people. Sustainable development is the second of the Plan’s four pillars. The issues covered under sustainable development include strengthening the Region’s response to the impact of climate change, better management of its natural resources, and support of key social sectors such as health and education.

The Forum leaders recognize climate change as one of the most serious threats facing the Pacific Region. The 2007 Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report states that:

Forum Island Countries have and continue to experience the adverse effects of climate change be they rising sea levels, increasing intensity and frequency of natural disasters, erratic weather patterns or persistent droughts with even the most conservative predictions indicating the symptoms of climate change can only worsen over the coming decades.[15]

In 2008 Forum leaders expect to see adaptation measures at work that minimize vulnerability and build resilience to climate change across the Pacific Region. Leaders have also committed to providing continued support to strengthen national sustainable development strategies and to developing innovative financing models supporting conservation efforts in agriculture, forestry, waste management, fisheries, and disaster risk management. Much of these efforts will be achieved through donor support. Forum leaders also express concern for ongoing increases in price fuel having a significant impact on the reduction of national incomes for the majority of countries. Access to reliable and affordable energy is regarded as a fundamental requirement to achieve national and regional development goals. Forum leaders recognize from international experience that there is strong correlation between the increased use of energy and national wealth measured in terms of gross domestic product.[16]

The Micronesia Challenge

Aiming to protect 30 percent of near-shore marine life and 20 percent of terrestrial resources by 2020, the Micronesia Challenge is a subregional policy commitment shared by the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Territory of Guam. It was launched by the President of Palau, H.E. Tommy Remengesau, Jr., at the 8th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Curitiba, Brazil, in March 2006. FSM Vice President Redley Killion described the Challenge as “an historic opportunity for the Micronesian governments, along with our partners, to work together to meet our responsibilities and obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.”[17]

Response to the commitment was immediate and enthusiastic among PIC governments and other island States as well as NGOs that promised to provide technical and financial support. Ratu Aisea Katonivere, Chief of the Macuata community in Fiji, a province of 100,000 people and home of the world’s third largest barrier reef, said: “For the islands, this is a new dimension on how to preserve our fragile reserves for future generations. Our traditional way of conserving has been reawakened through this global concern to protect our fragile resources. For us, in Fiji, this is about our survival." Noting that conservation in the Pacific is all about people and their traditional stewardship, the Director of the Pacific Island Program for Conservation International, Francois Martel, said, “The Pacific is home to the most vulnerable islands in the world. It’s a great challenge to have a program that aims for the survival of its rich biodiversity and the fascinating cultures of its people across Oceania.”[18]

III. Recommended Actions to Achieve Communications Objectives
Ultimately, the objectives of the GEF-PAS Communications Plan are to promote the goals and principles of GEF PAS in the Pacific Region. Success at meeting the objectives will have tangible benefits. Global stakeholders will read and share success stories and lessons learned from the Region; established mechanisms will allow the collection and exchange of knowledge among partner organizations and national governments. All participants will be well informed of respective roles and responsibilities in the implementation of GEF-PAS projects. Stakeholders will be motivated to collaborate, contribute to, and participate in GEF PAS; the value of well-planned workshops, meetings, and other forums will also motivate stakeholders. Policymakers will have access to information that aids them to create an enabling environment for GEF-PAS implementation. And, of course, the public will be kept informed of goals, objectives, activities, and progress that GEF-PAS is bringing to their communities.

The GEF-PAS Communications Plan identifies three main objectives:

· Clear identity for GEF-PAS
· Unified voice for GEF-PAS
· PIC ownership of GEF-PAS

Attachment A gives a detailed matrix of the Communications Plan that lists deliverables, target groups, outcomes, and costing. What follows is a summary of the actions recommended for achieving the three main objectives.

Objective 1: Creating a clear GEF-PAS identity

GEF-PAS is one solution to the Pacific Region’s global environmental challenge. The GEF-PAS is a trusted partner working alongside, listening to, and empowering the sovereign governments of the Region. The GEF-PAS engages with donors, regional agencies, and NGOs in partnership to ensure that governments can develop capacity and gain access to funds for effective environmental protection outcomes. The range of messages and products that go to different stakeholders must demonstrate the practical benefits of access to GEF and clearly identify GEF steps and processes.

· Develop messages. The messages should be tailored to each stakeholder, whether with local, national, or global interests. Especially at local or tribal level, messages should reflect native interpretation of terminology; for instance, a tribe may not share the conceptual meanings of “nation” and “region” in all Pacific Island countries. Attachment B lists some messages that might be incorporated in the Communications Plan.

· Create dissemination material. Material for wide dissemination should include dedicated websites as part of the UNDP Country Support Program (CSP) website with links to GEF and other appropriate sites. Videotaped programs of successful projects would be a useful demonstration tool to share with communities. Printed material should include easy-to-read factsheets on focal areas illustrated with sample case studies; and brief quarterly newsletters for distribution and simple email newsletters with PIC input updating project information with a focus on human interest. A useful publication could include an “A-Z Guide to the GEF-PAS.”

· Support information-sharing programs. Beginning in late 2008, coinciding with the annual meeting cycle of regional agencies and other key national and regional events, promote the inclusion in these meeting agendas an informational session on GEF-PAS.

· Embed communications in every GEF-PAS project. It would be important to capture and share success stories at key trigger points in the project cycle. Part of this action would be to identify upfront among project beneficiaries who will be the “storyteller” in such a way to bring relevance and imagination to the human interest element. The communications strategy for the IWP in the Pacific had successful experience in embedding their message in various activities:

Publishing a report that no one understands or bothers to read is not communicating. The key to communication—especially at the community level—is to deliver a message in a way that the targeted audience understands, through a medium they pay attention to. The IWP communications strategy evolved from a factual presentation mode…to a community-based communications approach, using theatre, music, TV, radio and printed media. IWP successfully raised awareness of the importance of individual and community actions to protect and cleanup their environment. While citizens may not have learned that the IWP was implementing a SAP, they did come to understand that biodegradable ‘green bags’ were available at their local grocery store on Tarawa, and were better for the environment. [19]

The GEF Secretariat in Washington is working on a capture mechanism for success stories.[20]

· Implement a comprehensive media contact strategy. A broad Pacific-based network of media contacts should be identified to assure appropriate and comprehensive story placement. In time, a network of international media contacts could be added to expand the coverage to a global audience.

· Maintain an outreach database. Data should be collected and maintained on community-based and nongovernmental organizations, including appropriate church and institutional leaders for develop an active community outreach program.

· Engage the private sector. It would enhance the community outreach to find opportunities to engage the private sector in jointly sponsored events and promotions.

· Ensure GEF-PAS visibility. GEF-PAS should be represented at appropriate Pacific Region and international events, including a high-level launch of new regional programs. To monitor occasions where GEF-PAS could participate, an events calendar should be created, updated, and shared with inclusions of meetings, conferences, and events of regional and international agencies and groups. Attachment C lists some events that would be appropriate for inclusion on the events calendar.

Objective 2: Developing a Unified Voice for GEF-PAS

The GEF-PAS provides an opportunity for a fresh start for GEF in the Pacific Region, with clear roles and responsibilities for stakeholders—all sharing in consistent, predictable, and transparent processes and decisionmaking. Success will be assisted by stronger communication between GEF agencies and increased harmonization of processes and approaches. Implementation agencies and CROP agencies have existing communication networks that should be sharing. Where these organizations have demonstrated strengths in community awareness-raising, they must be utilized. At the forefront of the unified movement is the need for a unifying coordinating body for the GEF-PAS, without which puts a constraint on implementing the Communications Plan. No coordinating body has yet been identified. A coordinating body would provide a natural conduit for information for communications and for monitoring and evaluation purposes. At the very least a coordinating body could help implement the GEF-PAS Communications Plan, which could naturally evolve into the Communications Coordinator. The position is more fully discussed in the next chapter, “GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator: Role and Linkages.”

Keeping in mind the need for a coordinating body, the following actions are recommended toward achieving a unified voice for GEF-PAS:

· Liaise with communications counterparts. Develop communications liaison contacts in implementation agencies, CROP agencies, donor partners, and relevant community-based and nongovernmental organizations. Contacts should establish means of sharing information to align messages about GEF-PAS, contribute to publications and calendars, and discover opportunities for promotion and community awareness.

· Develop agreed activities and support program. Develop activities and support programs for relevant CROP agencies to promote and assist GEF-PAS. The Secretariat of the Pacific Community could support making promotional films, for example. The University of South Pacific could also host videoconferences for Pacific Island countries.

· Systematize coordination. With the proposed GEF-PAS coordinating body in place include a standing communications item on half-yearly meeting agenda with relevant information reported back to the proposed GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator and the Political Focal Points and Operational Focal Points.

· Develop a GEF-PAS Annual Report. With input from PIC and GEF partners the Annual Report should be available in print, via email, and on websites. To begin immediately with some form of Annual Report, it could start out modestly and grow as time and resources permit.

Objective 3: Facilitating PIC Ownership of GEF-PAS

The countries drive the program. Communication activities support their endeavor. Key stakeholders must be assisted in development of political ownership at the country and regional levels. This is a role that could best be undertaken by a Communications Coordinator who would help to ensure that project information and its functioning in the specific island country is widely available across governments. Political and Operational Focal Points have an important role to play, one which may have been hampered in many cases by capacity restraints.[21] To be effective in their roles, they need access to accurate information. Resources are available to assist them, and they will be actively encouraged to gain access to these funds.

· Create opportunities for high-level political engagement. Country and regional government leaders should be engaged in joint announcements and other events that bring together representatives of national, regional, and international organizations where GEF-PAS has a presence. The annual Forum Leaders meeting and relevant Convention of the Parties meetings are examples of the international environment conferences that should include these high-level political representatives among the participants engage in promoting GEF-PAS.

· Identify key events and country or regional activities. Working with Political and Operational Focal Points, key events and activities in each Pacific Island country should be identified as a means to build partnership credentials among government officials, legislators, community-based and nongovernmental organizations, educational institutions, and the private sector.

· Engage government decisionmakers in key cross-cutting portfolios. Opportunities should be created that involve government decisionmakers in cross-cutting portfolios such as finance, planning, health and education. The impact could be seen in the inclusiveness of environmental policy in national strategies.

· Empower Operational Focal Points. Support and guidance of outreach taken by the Operational Focal Point should include active encouragement to take advantage of CSP resources. The Communications Coordinator should support the work of UNDP to promote reinforcing the value of the Country Support Program.



IV. GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator: Role and Linkages
A significant factor in the successful implementation of the GEF-PAS Communications Plan is putting in place a Communications Coordinator. Establishment of this dedicated position is highly recommended as an long-term investment, rather than a short-term cost to the program.[22] A recommended terms of reference for the GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator is detailed in Attachment D.

There are some issues that create some immediate obstacles in moving forward with this position. There is no assigned budget and no organization identified to host the position of GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator. Options for hosting are SPREP and the IWP in the Pacific. Funding for the position—as well as promotion and outreach budget for GEF-PAS could come from the GEF-PAS allocation or donors—or from the organization in the Pacific that hosts the Communications Coordinator.

The GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator could be hosted by either a regional technical agency (SPREP) or by a large GEF project in the Pacific (International Water Program). There are advantages in either choice, and there might be other options. Wherever the Communications Coordinator is based, it will have a close working relationship with other communications officers and units within the Region. The SPREP aligns with GEF and hosts the GEF Support Adviser (GEFSA) – arguably a natural logistical partner for the Communications Coordinator role. SPREP also has a dynamic information and community education team who can offer sound advice on activities. The IWP is a large regional project which has been successful in community education and communications activities.[23]

GEF Support Adviser

The GEF Support Adviser was recruited in March 2007 in response to recommendations from reviews and evaluations of GEF progress in the Pacific. Among the adviser’s roles is to provide assistance to countries on project proposals. The GEFSA is hosted by SPREP and jointly funded by NZAid and AusAID. The current Support Advisor has been able to create relationships in most of the Pacific Island countries and maintains regular contact with other CROP agencies through site visits and attending regional meetings.

There appears to be a potentially natural synergy between the Support Adviser and the proposed GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator. The two roles would be mutually strengthened by sharing work experience, networking with colleagues from participating agencies, and providing feedback, and sharing information. Nonetheless, expectations of both roles would need to be carefully managed. In any event, it is possible that the GEFSA terms of reference might need to be altered under the new GEF-PAS to give the role a tighter focus on country support and to avoid duplication of effort. The current terms of reference (duty statement) for the GEF Support Adviser are detailed in Attachment E.

GEF Focal Points

The GEF Political and Operational Focal Points play a central role in the communications process for their countries. The Operational Focal Point (OFP) appears to play an important role on the ground in-country, while many Political Focal Points (PFP) are located outside the country working at high political and diplomatic levels. The Operational Focal Point, usually a senior official from the Department of Environment or equivalent, facilitates discussions about national priorities and the fit of potential projects, and engages with local stakeholders.

The work of the Operational Focal Point is supported by a range of resources including direct funding of up to US$8,000 per year to facilitate workshops in-country and additional funding to attend familiarization seminars and support for constituency meetings. This support is available through the UNDP-managed Community Support Program (see details in Attachment F.) Many of the Pacific Island countries (50 percent) have not taken advantage of these funds.[24] The GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator would be encouraged to work with UNDP to further raise awareness among Operational Focal Points of the benefits of accessing available funding through the UNDP program. There have been many positive examples worth citing in the Pacific as well as in other countries, as in Cambodia.[25]

The OFP role is central to communications and would be improved with utilization of CSP funds. Nonetheless, the Operational Focal Point is only one person in a system where capacity may be constrained. Political support for the role has been weak in the past and GEF projects may not be viewed as a core part of national development.

Proposed GEF-PAS Steering Committee

The proposed GEF-PAS Steering Committee, comprised of GEF Operational Focal Points from Pacific Island countries, representatives of CROP agencies, and a representative from an umbrella NGO in the Pacific, is an important vehicle for the proposed GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator. The Steering Committee would meet twice yearly; communications and outreach should be an agenda item at all meetings. Committee members would have opportunity for feedback on communications activities from key stakeholders as well as alerting the Communications Coordinator to any issues arising. The relationship of the GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator and the Steering Committee will be vitally important to the work of both.

CROP agencies

The relevant CROP agencies have a range of technical and creative capacities in communications and outreach activities, and all maintain websites. They are very well placed to offer advice and support. In most instances, these agencies have Information or Community Education Officers who will be important contacts for the GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator. In addition, the University of South Pacific main campus in Suva has technical capacity for videoconferencing among 12 countries in the Pacific. In view of the cost of travel in the Pacific, this facility could be an important communications tool. As well, Secretariat of the Pacific Community has the technical capacity to produce quality promotional videos. The agency runs media training programs, and produces a regular Pacific television program called The Pacific Way broadcast throughout the Region. Secretariat of the Pacific Community also has vast experience in capacity development on the ground. SPREP has a creative community education team and produces high-quality publications. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has Information Officers working at a high level for the Forum Leaders, and produces high-quality publications.

Implementing Agencies

The implementing agencies have considerable experience among them in running programs in the Pacific Region, and as such, they are an important source of information. The UNDP has the largest presence in the Pacific with offices in Port Moresby (PNG), Suva (Fiji), Apia (Samoa) and Pohnpei (FSM). Small teams of locally engaged staff run the Small Grants Program for the UNDP, and in at least one country (PNG) the agency has placed locally engaged staff in the department of the Operational Focal Point to build capacity and assist in coordination of GEF-related activities.

The World Bank has offices in Sydney (Australia), Port Moresby and Timor-Leste, and plans to open a small office in Solomon Islands. A senior Communications Officer who covers the agency’s activities in the Pacific is based in the Sydney office. This is an important contact for the GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has several staff at SPREP in Apia. The Food and Agriculture Organization also has a small office in Apia. The Asian Development Bank has offices in Sydney, Port Moresby, and Suva with its Communications Officer for the Region based in Sydney.

Implementing agency staff acknowledge the need to improve internal and inter-agency communications as well as community awareness about programs.[26] This issue needs to be managed at agency-level leadership as part of efforts to better harmonize activities and processes.

It is recommended that all implementing agencies nominate a person in each country or regional office as the liaison for the GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator. It is preferable that this person or position be in the Pacific Region.

GEF Secretariat in Washington

The GEF Secretariat, with its mandate to keep stakeholders informed, is able to communicate directly through its Council members who have the responsibility to ensure that their constituents are well informed of the results of their twice yearly GEF Council meetings. These meetings should be a trigger for information sharing with GEF-PAS stakeholders and public announcements. Any relevant material should be posted on the GEF-PAS and other relevant website. The global GEF communications and outreach strategy notes, “although the GEF Secretariat itself has no infrastructure for media placement and dissemination, the GEF family at-large has a powerful media network in place through its agency members”.[27] In the Pacific Region, this network will be engaged regularly through the liaison contacts developed by the GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator.

Donor partners

Three international donors—Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union—co-finance many GEF projects, incorporating the activities into bi-lateral and regional programs. They all have a substantial presence and impact in the Region. New Zealand and Australia have been working to harmonize their development programs providing a lesson to other donors. While concerned about creating positive images about their programs, often they choose to take a back seat in promotional activities to allow Pacific Island leadership to come forward. Nonetheless, there will be opportunities for joint community-to-global-level events and promotional activities. The donors could be encouraged to support large-scale regional events raising awareness of the GEF-PAS, meeting their own needs as well. The GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator will develop relationships with the relevant information, communications, or nominated contacts in the donor partner organizations.

Australia

The Commonwealth Government of Australia is the largest international donor in the Pacific Region. In August 2007, the Australian Government re-stated its commitment to the GEF. Australia considers the GEF to be the primary multilateral mechanism for funding environmental projects in developing countries. Australia is well positioned to ensure that the particular needs of Pacific Island counties are reflected within the facility’s funding framework wherever possible. More broadly, ongoing participation in the facility’s council will ensure that the priorities of the Australian aid program are accommodated in key decisions within the facility.[28] Through its international development agency, AusAID, the Australian Government has provided over A$240 million in financial support from 1991 to 2007, including $60 million toward the fourth replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund in 2006 as well as other other GEF-managed funds.

AusAID regards the GEF website as the best means of corporate communication. Greater accessibility to project information in the development phase of the project would be beneficial, such as development of GES-PAS objectives, timelines, key events, stages of development/consultation process, countries involved, and key contacts. AusAID recommends a “recent project developments” link on the GEF website for quick identification of current issues, and so that recent project decisions can be monitored easily.[29]

New Zealand

More than half of total aid from New Zealand’s international development agency, NZAID, goes to the Pacific Region. New Zealand recognizes the Pacific’s vulnerability to biodiversity loss, non-sustainable resource use, climate change, natural disasters, and waste proliferation; and regards protecting the environment and sustaining livelihoods as being intertwined due to the high reliance of local communities on natural resources. The NZAID Pacific Regional Environment and Vulnerability Program (PREVP) supports establishment and operation of regional partnerships for environment and development, and assisting Pacific Island countries and communities to respond to the world’s changing climate. Through all of its regional work, NZAID will depend on good communications with its partners and especially its contact with the GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator.

European Union

The EU development strategy for the Pacific Region focuses on three priorities: governance, regionalism, and sustainable management of natural resources. The environment program concentrates on sound management and protection, noting the specific character of the Region:

Some of the islands are small, remote and vulnerable to natural disasters.
The challenges of state fragility and weak governance.
Political and economic importance of some Pacific Island countries has increased owing to a growing demand for their substantial natural resources such as fish, timber, minerals, oil, and gas.
The EU regards regional integration as crucial for an effective development aid strategy. The Commission proposes that its development assistance should be more concentrated, with a stronger focus at regional level. The Commission will continue to help the Forum Secretariat and the other CROP agencies, in particular as regards natural resources management, vulnerability, and governance. This effort will benefit from the link with the GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator.

V. Immediate Decisions and Actions
There are three important decisions (then related actions) that need to be taken: First, approve the GEF-PAS Communications Plan; second, approve a position for a Communications Coordinator; and third, approve a single coordinating body in the Pacific Region.

If the Communications Plan is approved, there are a number of tasks that could be carried out in the first quarter of 2008 that may require the recruitment of a short-term, Regionally located communications consultant:

· Produce promotional material.
· Develop GEF-PAS website, connected to the UNDP-hosted CSP website.
· Conduct an audit to establish a communications baseline in the Pacific Region. The audit could be in the form of an email to media organizations, community-based and nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and a selection of PIC government departments (excluding Environment & Conservation).
· Build a contact list in conjunction with the audit.

If the GEF Secretariat in Washington should approve creating the Communications Coordinator position, then the following actions should take place:

· Determine the appropriate funding;
· Begin recruitment with a widely advertised campaign in the Pacific Region using print, Internet, and any available media and communications networks.

If the need for a coordinating body is approved, then simultaneously with planning for the Communications Coordinator, the appropriate funding and location should be determined, with negotiations with other agencies and donors.
Attachment A. GEF-PAS Communications Plan, FY08 & FY09

Objective 1: Create a clear GEF-PAS identity
Action
Deliverable
Target group
Outcome
Resources/cost US$
Develop GEF-PAS messages
Messages for different campaigns & purposes
Various
Relevant messages used in different materials & settings

Create GEF-PAS information & promotional material
Web pages on CSP website & subsequent regular updates
Links on GEF, IA & CROP websites - 2008

PICs, IAs, CROP agencies, donors, general public, media, environment interest groups
Donors informed project development in time for participation
PICs awareness
Community awareness
Positive media
2,000
Quarterly 4-page newsletter (print & PDF for web pages) – project updates, timelines & promotion of Web pages
Oct08/Jan09/April/July
IAs, CROP agencies, NGOs & CBOs, PIC governments
Distributed in timely manner
Feedback from PICs via GEFSA

6,000
(print & postage 500x4 A3 folded to A4 = 4 pages)
Email newsletter – brief version of above
IAs, CROP agencies, NGOs & CBOs, PIC governments
Feedback received

A-Z guide to GEF-PAS with FAQs about values, systems, processes, including case studies (print & email)
PICs, CROP agencies, CBOs & NGOs
GEF-PAS processes demystified
Feedback from PICs via GEFSA
1,000
(1,000 copies small brochure)
Fact sheets on key projects/issues (two in 2009)
Relevant country & regional meetings & conferences
Fact sheets distributed
Feedback & further requests for information
2,000
(1000x2 DL brochures)
PowerPoint presentation & other presentations materials – info pack for Information Sessions

Materials distributed & used
Feedback

Produce video/DVDs – how GEF-PAS works in the Pacific, case studies – first half 2009
Community Outreach, NGOs, media, schools
Positive feedback
Requests for more information
10,000
(500 copies)
Develop GEF-PAS brand/logo
All
Material branded
Clear identity
2,000

Action
Deliverable
Target group
Outcome
Resources/cost US$
Support program of regional & country GEF-PAS Information Sessions
Work with GEFSec, IAs, GEFSA & CROP agencies on GEF-PAS Information Sessions to coincide with key regional meetings –
SPREP, SOPAC etc.
from late 2008

PICs, OFPs, IAs, CROP agencies, NGOs & CBOs
Improvement in project proposals
Number proposals submitted
Number proposals developed into projects
CSP-funding for OFPs
Work with USP on trial video conference Information Session for sub-regional or small group of countries
Selected stakeholders as above in sub-regional or small group of countries
Workshop supported

2,000
Embed communications in projects
Provide template for project leaders & IAs with recommended trigger points & project contacts to capture success stories
Project directors, CROP agencies, IAs
Stories regularly available for use in publicity & promotion

Check progress with GEF Sec Washington re work on a capture mechanism (see GEF Communications Strategy November 2007)
GEFSec Washington
Mechanism available

Create & implement comprehensive media strategy






Pacific network media contacts database
Pacific decision-makers
Increased coverage of environment issues by regional media

Story placement print, radio, TV & online
Pacific decision-makers
Articles published in country & regional publications
Requests by the media for information

Journalist tours country, sub-regional & regional projects
Selected media
As above

GEF-PAS supported environment issues session at Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Conference 2009
All Pacific media

1,500

Action
Deliverable
Target group
Outcome
Resources/cost US$
Create opportunities to engage private sector
Relevant joint events & promotion e.g. energy use, solar & bio-fuel



Ensure GEF-PAS has visibility
Events calendar showing opportunities for GEF-PAS involvement in regional conferences & events; post on web pages

GEF-PAS representation included and promoted in major regional conferences

International Year of the Reef (Pacific) media release 2008
Media, environment interest groups
Media coverage

Launch of GEF-PAS at regional conference late 2008 with PIC/s leader/s e.g. at PINA or SPREP conference
PICs governments, decision-makers, environment interest groups
Media coverage
5,000
(500 DL brochures + event)
World Water Day 2008
media release on GEF-PAS projects e.g. IWP
Media, decision-makers, environment interest groups
Media coverage

Clean Up the Pacific Day schools competition 2009 – health & impact of waste, posters & brochures
Communities, schools
Health & waste issues linked by PICs
Community awareness
Media coverage
10,000
Co-sponsor with regional agencies event/s at 2009 Conferences of the Parties
International NGOs
GEF member countries
International media coverage
5,000


Objective 2: Develop a unified voice for GEF-PAS
Action
Deliverable
Target group
Outcome
Resources/cost US$
Develop communications liaison contacts with IAs, CROP agencies, project directors, donors, CBOs & NGOs

(NB. GEFSec guidelines on interagency communication)
Database communications liaison contacts

Improved participation of local communities

Improved exchange of information between stakeholders

Contributions from a variety of sources to GEF-PAS publications & promotions
OFPs, CROP agencies, IAs


Events calendar – joint events & opportunities for promotion
PICs, CROP agencies, IAs, NGOs, special interest groups
Partnership credentials demonstrated
Improved visibility for GEF-PAS

Develop agreed activities & support program for CROP agencies to promote & support GEF-PAS
Secretariat of the Pacific Community supports production promotional films about GEF-PAS & special feature as part of Pacific Way TV program 2009
Communities, environment interest groups, decision-makers
Film produced & copies distributed
Pacific Way feature broadcast on PICs TV

USP hosts video conference meetings e.g. Information sessions or community talk-back 2009

Video conferences conducted saving money in travel costs

SPREP hosts GEF-PAS program launch (if agreed option) 2008



SOPAC hosts alternative energies & economic development session at a regional conference 2009
Technical experts, private sector, media




Objective 3: Develop PICs ownership of GEF-PAS
Action
Deliverable
Target group
Outcome
Resources/cost US$
Support development of opportunities for high level political engagement at country & regional level about GEF-PAS
Joint announcements with IAs & PICs



Material for speeches on environment by PIC governments
PICs governments, decision-makers
GEF-PAS visibility
Partnership credentials

Forum Leaders statement about GEF-PAS
PICs governments, decision-makers
Positive statement in Forum Leaders Communiqué

GEF-PAS fact sheets & publications
PICs governments, NGOs & CBOs, universities & colleges
Feedback

Create opportunities to engage government in cross cutting portfolios
Information for cross-cutting portfolio activities e.g. health, finance & planning
PICs governments
Evidence of environment inclusion in National Planning documents
Broader discussion

Work with Focal Points to identify partnership events & activities
One annual event in each PIC
PICs governments
Partnership credentials
Media coverage

Support empowerment of Operational Focal Points (OFPs)
Provide relevant material to OFPs, work with UNDP to promote better use of CSP resources
OFPs
Feedback from other stakeholders e.g. NGOs

TOTAL FY08-09



48,000

Attachment B. Recommended Key GEF-PAS Messages
GEF-PAS is designed to help Pacific Islanders to protect their natural environment and therefore their livelihoods for a sustainable future.

GEF-PAS works with Pacific Island governments, international and regional agencies, and nongovernment and community-based organizations to find the best sustainable solutions for the Pacific Region, understanding that the Region has unique circumstances.

GEF-PAS is a true partnership with Pacific Island countries.

GEF-PAS listens to wisdom from the Pacific Region and understands that this comes from many quarters.

After more than 15 years work across the globe, the GEF can demonstrate the impact of its work, from groundbreaking policies and laws to practical and sustainable shifts in practices on the ground.

GEF-PAS is a credible and trusted source of information about work to protect the environment in the Pacific Region for future generations.

GEF-PAS builds human and institutional capacity in the Pacific Region for a sustainable future.

GEF-PAS processes are robust and thorough and Pacific Islanders can be assured that the GEF-PAS investment is transparent and well-spent.

GEF-PAS works with international and regional agencies to harmonize systems and processes.


Attachment C. Events & Key Dates: GEF-PAS Promotion, FY08 & FY09
2008

(Pacific) International Year of the Reef

This International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability, and to motivate people to take action to protect them. All individuals, corporations, schools, governments, and organizations are welcome and actively encouraged to participate in IYOR 2008. See the website http://www.iyor.org/ for recommended activities. This is an opportunity for GEF-PAS to link with an issue, encouraging others to take the lead on activities e.g. NGOs and CBOs – throughout the year in many countries in the Pacific.

GEF-PAS related activities at anytime of the year 2008 could include:
· Media and publicity campaigns to attract local journalists
· Tourism and scuba diving promotions
· National seminars in selected countries (Palau, PNG, Fiji)
· Beach clean-up day coinciding with Clean-up the World Weekend on 20-21 September 2008
· USP video conference hook-up
· School competitions

UN International Year of Sanitation

UN-declared International Year of Sanitation provides many of the issues useful for promoting projects as part of GEF-PAS. At anytime in the year, there could be opportunities for Media releases in partnership with PIC governments and activities relating to other issues/events such as the International Year of the Reef (see above). It is envisaged that the UN year will include ready-made publications. See the website for details. http://www.worldwaterday.org/

Proposed GEF-PAS program launch

In the second half of 2008 it is proposed to launch the GEF-PAS program at a regional conference in the Pacific. Opportunities to “piggy-back” on existing meetings could include, for example, the SPREP annual council meeting (date to be advised), or a side-event at the Forum Leaders Meeting (August, Niue):
· Target is practitioners, policy makers, PIC politicians – key people implementing GEF projects and potential champions
· High level event, media involvement
· GEF CEO should be invited to launch this with, for example, Forum Secretary-General (if Forum event chosen).



5 June: World Environment Day

UNEP-sponsored World Environment Day provides an opportunity for GEF-PAS:
· Media release about the program in the Pacific
· Activities highlighting projects

August (date to be advised): Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Niue

This is an opportunity for high-level political activity relating to GEF-PAS and networking with senior PIC officials, other member countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, and other donor partners. Large number of senior Pacific and regional journalists attend the Forum Leaders meetings. Press conference or side event – how the Pacific is moving forward with the help of GEF (see possible launch of GEF-PAS program).

20-21 September 2008: Clean-up the World (Pacific) Weekend

This global initiative is an opportunity to highlight the management of solid waste and water and sanitation issues in the Pacific and related GEF projects. Major activities should be planned for 2009. Media release highlight clean-up efforts and projects across the region


2009

March: World Water Day (date to be determined)

This is an opportunity to highlight work to improve the availability and quality of drinking water, sanitation, and related issues.
· Media release
· Competition “design a gadget” that saves water etc. pitched at university/college science students (University of South Pacific, University of Papua New Guinea, College of Marshall Islands, etc)
· Seek sponsorship by private sector
· Competition judged by private sector and the University of South Pacific – winners announced on 5 June (World Environment Day)

5 June: World Environment Day

Many different groups and organizations will create activities around this day. GEF-PAS related activities could include:
· Announcement of winners of competition to “design a gadget” to save water (the World Water Day competition)
· Media release for above and other highlights.

July: Pacific Islands News Association Convention Port Vila, Vanuatu

PINA is the main professional association of the Pacific Islands news media. It links radio and TV stations, newspapers, magazines, online services, national associations of news media practitioners and journalism school in 23 Pacific Island countries and territories. PINA is an NGO in official relations with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). PINA is also the Pacific Island member of IFEX, the global network of freedom of expression and media freedom organizations, and also a member of the Council of Asia and Pacific Press Institute (CAPPI).

Activities at the Vanuatu convention could include:
GEF-PAS-sponsored session on environment and progress/challenges in the Pacific
Sponsorship keynote speaker at the convention
Media conference highlighting environment issues and GEF-PAS projects.

August: Forum Leaders Meeting (date and location to be advised)

Similar opportunity to 2008 for high level political activity relating to GEF-PAS and networking with senior officials from PICs, other member countries such as Australia and New Zealand and other donor partners.

19-20 September: Clean-up the World (Pacific) Weekend

This global initiative is an opportunity to highlight the management of solid waste and water and sanitation issues in the Pacific and related GEF projects.
· Virtual webcam media tours of the worst dumps in the Pacific and what is being done about them.
· Seminar on relationship between health and waste management.
· Pacific regional and national schools junior (years 9 & 10) art and short story competition – tell a story about health and waste management (linking health and environment protection).
· Competition promoted from end of March 2009 (about 10 weeks in advance).
· Advertised through national newspapers and through schools networks.
· National prizes of certificates.
· Winning art entries could be laminated becoming part of a traveling regional exhibition for the rest of the year using existing events/conferences/public meetings and venues such as USP campuses, environment conferences.
· Three judges in each country (one NGO, one school leader, one official from national art gallery or museum if available) or one national newspaper editor.





Attachment D. Terms of Reference: GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator
Post description: GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator.

Location: A Pacific regional technical agency or medium-to-large GEF project in the Pacific Region, with travel to the countries eligible for funding through the GEF-PAS.

Responsible to: (to be confirmed).

Key responsibilities: Implement the GEF-PAS Communications Plan developing annual work plans up to and including 2011 with activities, outcomes, timelines, and target groups. This will include interagency communication among agencies involved in implementation, co-financing, service delivery and advocacy, and community awareness activities with PIC communities, governments, and the media.

Key relationships: For the most part, the GEF-PAS Communications Coordinator will liaise with information and community education position holders in the following organizations:

· CROP agencies—Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP), South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC), Forum Fisheries Agency, University of the South Pacific;
· GEF Support Adviser in SPREP;
· M&E Coordinator for GEF-PAS
· Implementing agencies—predominantly UNDP, UNEP, and World Bank, and other agencies chosen by countries, e.g. Asian Development Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Industrial Development Organization;
· Donor partners – EU, NZAid, AusAID;
· GEF Operational & Political Focal Points from the Pacific Island countries;
· PIC Government ministries including, but not restricted to, Environment & Conservation;
· GEF Secretariat;
· Current medium and large GEF projects in the Pacific Region;
· Umbrella groups for country, environment, and conservation NGOs, and relevant community-based organizations;
· PIC media including newspapers, magazines, websites, radio & TV, and regional news services (e.g., the agency Pacnews).

Objectives
· Ensure that the concept, goals, and parameters of the GEF-PAS are well understood in all 15 participating countries, increasing the level of access to relevant information, and the relevance and quality of information material;
· Ensure that the key stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to the GEF-PAS and that this information is widely shared;
· Facilitate shared success stories and lessons learned about GEF project development and implementation between the Pacific Island countries and with global stakeholders.

Interagency communication
· Liaise with relevant officers in the GEF agencies to ensure that information (progress and timelines) about GEF-PAS is correct and up to date;
· Encourage and facilitate regular communication about GEF-PAS through regular email and print newsletters, and information updates on the GEF-PAS website including material from relevant agencies;
· Identify and address additional communication needs for improved information sharing between agencies and advise the GEF Secretariat on any issues management requirements;
· Facilitate GEF-PAS networking and learning among agencies and advocates taking advantage of scheduled meetings, events and conferences likely to attract stakeholders.

Community awareness
· Customize communication activities according to the specific needs and situation of the countries and target groups;
· Develop communication materials such as factsheets, newsletters, pamphlets, and posters, and distribute to target groups;
· Update GEF-PAS website;
· Develop an events calendar listing relevant country and regional conferences and annual meetings to use for promotional purposes, and develop special purpose side-events;
· Support relevant workshops, conferences and community education events with GEF-PAS promotional material working through different agencies and groups if required;
· Develop opportunities to mainstream knowledge about GEF-PAS demonstrating country benefits to wide range of government ministries;
· Assist in managing community expectations about the GEF-PAS by targeting the distribution of information where appropriate, and by dealing transparently with information requests from PIC communities and organizations;
· Take responsibility for public information about the GEF-PAS, including liaison with the media and with other Government information officers.

Monitoring and evaluation
· Monitor and follow-up the dissemination of communication materials at national and regional levels using variety of information liaison contacts;
· Arrange periodic impact evaluation of communication activities;
· Contribute to the GEF-PAS monitoring & evaluation framework with relevant information, and to identify and document lessons learned and good practice and disseminate appropriately.

Contract duration
· Three-year contract with annual review of performance and terms of reference;
· Contract starts in April 2008 (probationary period of six months).

Remuneration
· Salary US$40,000 per annum
· Travel and relocation allowance (to be advised)
· Accommodation allowance (to be advised)
· Health insurance (to be advised)

Required qualifications
· Demonstrable experience in developing successful information, education, and/or community awareness campaigns in the Pacific Region, or similar programs involving interaction with communities in the Region;
· Knowledge of informal and formal communications networks in the Pacific Region, including the media;
· Demonstrable experience in developing written, visual and/or audio-visual material for information, communication and/or education campaigns (ability to use communications equipment such as digital cameras would be an advantage);
· An innovative self-starter with the ability to analyze and synthesize information quickly and accurately;
· Ability and willingness to travel throughout the Pacific Region when required;
· Degree in media studies, community development, community education or journalism and a good understanding of the latest communications technology, methods, and approaches;
· Computer and Internet literacy essential, including ability to use simple graphic design computer packages to design information material for print and the web;
· Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds in government, nongovernment, private sector, and community organizations.


Attachment E. Terms of Reference: GEF Support Adviser
Background
In 2004 a report on the performance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in the Pacific Region found that Pacific Island countries (PIC) were experiencing difficulty gaining access to GEF funding compared to other Small Island Developing States.[30]. The report recommended that the GEF strengthen its coordination and support presence in the Region.

Pacific Island countries requested this strengthened GEF coordination at the Fifth Pacific Environment Ministers’ Meeting in 2004, and the Third Regional Workshop on Overall Performance of the GEF in March 2005. In May 2006, the Pacific Island Forum Ambassadors Working Group in New York endorsed the concept of a GEF regional support position. The need for regional support was reiterated by Pacific Island representatives at the Seventeenth SPREP Meeting in September 2006. Particular emphasis was placed on the new requirements under the GEF Resource Allocation Framework.
In August 2006, the GEF Secretariat, the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Region Environment Program (SPREP) agreed that this position would be created in the Region to support national-level engagement in GEF processes and access to GEF resources.
The GEF Support Adviser for Pacific Island countries will be employed by SPREP and based in the SPREP offices in Apia, Samoa. The SPREP is a key regional agency facilitating international financing for sustainable development, biodiversity, and environmental protection and climate change in the Pacific, including through the GEF. Funding support for this position will be provided by Australia and New Zealand. The GEF Support Adviser is required to bring GEF expertise to the Pacific Region with a view to enhancing and building upon existing support provided by SPREP, other regional agencies, GEF implementing agencies, and the GEF Country Support Program.
Objective
The objective of this position is to maximize PIC access to GEF funding from Fourth Replenishment.
Duties and Responsibilities
The GEF Support Adviser will be responsible to the Manager, Pacific Futures Program, through the Sustainable Development Adviser. Within the first four months of commencement, the Adviser will be required to complete a review and assessment of PIC needs regarding access to GEF resources, and prepare a workplan for the approval of SPREP and a reference group (comprising SPREP, the GEF Secretariat, and Pacific Islands representative to the GEF Council, Australia, and New Zealand). The workplan must clearly identify the key tasks to be undertaken to contribute toward objectives and anticipated outcomes, intended beneficiaries and counterparts, and a planned timeline for implementation and delivery of key tasks.
Key tasks (including but not limited)
Assist SPREP members to identify environmental priorities for GEF funding;
Identify opportunities for co-financing GEF projects;
Facilitate networking and information-sharing among the GEF, Convention Secretariats, implementing agency officials, SPREP, and GEF National Focal Points and stakeholders;
In full consultation with SPREP members, facilitate and coordinate regional briefs to assist the Pacific representative to the GEF Governing Council Meetings;
Report in timely manner on the outcomes of the GEF Governing Councils and other matters at the Council that are particularly relevant to Pacific Small Island Developing States;
Provide briefings to those coordinating Pacific participation in the CROP, in particular issues likely to influence or impact on the GEF and future allocation of funding to strengthen the capacity of Pacific Small Island Developing States to promote sustainable resource management and conservation, particularly those that produce global environmental benefits, and support efforts by Pacific Small Island Developing States to meet international environment-related obligations;
Liaise closely with GEF implementing agencies to facilitate relationships with Pacific Island countries and improve information flow regarding opportunities and criteria for GEF projects;
Provide information on options presented through the various GEF implementing and executing agencies;
Work together with PIC and relevant partners, including CROP agencies, to rationalize and prioritize regional projects for GEF funding according to prevailing and emerging GEF funding policies and strategies;
Collaborate with the GEF Secretariat, implementing agencies, and CROP agencies to assist with capacity building of national Operational Focal Points, committees, and other stakeholders, to improve access to, and effective and responsible management of, GEF resources;
Backstop Pacific Small Island Developing States with the development of nationally driven projects, including from concept phase, project development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation;
Develop the capacity of SPREP program officers (and other CROP agencies where requested), coordinate implementation of projects contributing to the major Multilateral Environmental Agreements, in understanding the relevant machinery and project cycle of the GEF;
Foster improved collaboration among Regional agencies, including through joint regional projects, involving GEF resources; and
Encourage stronger links between ongoing national and regional projects and those GEF initiatives that are developed at the regional and global level.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. A substantial body (over five years) of senior-level work experience, preferably within the Pacific Region, in a field relevant to the position;
2. Comprehensive understanding of GEF procedures, the GEF Resource Allocation Framework, and the institutional arrangements that support GEF funding and projects;
3. Commitment to improving environmental and development outcomes in Pacific Island countries;
4. Excellent communication, liaison, negotiation, and representation skills, including cross-cultural communication;
5. Willingness and ability to work and travel in the Pacific;
6. Familiarity with Pacific Island countries and the environmental issues or constraints facing them;
7. Project management experience; and
8. A good understanding of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements that the GEF is the funding mechanism for, as well as obligations that Pacific Island countgries have as signatories to these Conventions.
Highly Desirable
1. A tertiary qualification in a discipline that supports the objectives of this position;
2. Experience in developing and reviewing GEF project proposals and associated documentation.
Anticipated Outcomes
The GEF Support Adviser will be expected to support this objective by contributing to the following outcomes:
1. Improved knowledge and capacity in the region regarding GEF processes and procedures, in particular the requirements under the Resource Allocation Framework.
2. Improved quality and quantity of country and regional project proposals that Pacific Island countries submit to the GEF Council.
3. Greater awareness among PIC and regional agencies of similar, related, or duplicative environment projects across the Region.
4. Better understanding among countries and regional agencies of the processes roles and functions of the different machinery of the GEF, including implementing and executing agencies.
5. Greater understanding of the special PIC circumstances in the GEF Secretariat and GEF implementing and executing agencies.
6. Increased delivery of environmental benefits nationally among Pacific Island countries, regionally and globally.
7. Improved understanding within Pacific Island countries, regional agencies and donor partners of opportunities to meet GEF co-financing requirements.
Note. Terms of reference extracted from document Post Description: Global Environment Facility (GEF) Support Adviser (GEFSA), SPREP October 2006



Attachment F. Support for GEF Focal Points
In GEF Fourth Replenishment there are at least four sources of support for GEF Focal Points: the GEF National Dialogue Initiative, the GEF Country Support Program (CSP), the GEF Secretariat's Familiarization Workshops and Council Member Support Program. In the table below, these resources are summarized and contact persons are listed for each.
Program/Project
What is available to each country
Contact information
GEF CSPDirect Annual Funding
Up to $8,000 direct support funds available per year based on guidelines and agreed upon workplan
Ms. Mehrunnisa BashirGEF SecretariatMbashir@thegef.orgMs. Daya BraganteUNEP/GEFDaya.Bragante@unep.org
GEF CSPDirect Annual Funding
Funds to participate in up to two (2) constituency meetings per year
Ms. Mehrunnisa BashirGEF SecretariatMbashir@thegef.orgMs. Daya BraganteUNEP/GEFDaya.Bragante@unep.org
GEF CSPKnowledge Facility
Knowledge Facility provides information on GEF, knowledge materials, Focal Point workspace, discussion forums, search functions, and helpful links
Ms. Tehmina AkhtarGEF NDI/CSPtehmina.akhtar@undp.org
GEF CSPSub-Regional Workshops
All GEF Focal Points can participate in one (1) Sub-Regional Workshop per year in their region
Mr. Stephen GoldGEF NDI/CSPstephen.gold@undp.org
GEF National Dialogue Initiative
Funds for 12-15 countries per year to host multi-stakeholder National Dialogues on the GEF - a country must apply to host a Dialogue by writing to the Chairperson and CEO of the GEF Secretariat
Mr. Stephen GoldGEF NDI/CSPstephen.gold@undp.org
GEF Secretariat Familiarization Seminars
Limited funds for newly appointed GEF Focal Points to participate in a GEF Familiarization Seminar held at the GEF Secretariat in Washington, DC
Ms. Mehrunnisa BashirGEF SecretariatMbashir@thegef.org
GEF Secretariat Council Member Support Program
Funds available for Council Members to hold constituency meetings
Ms. Mehrunnisa BashirGEF SecretariatMbashir@thegef.org

From website http://www.gefcountrysupport.org/report_detail.cfm?projectId=195

December 2007


Attachment G. People Consulted in Developing Communications Plan
Name
Designation
Agency/Organisation
Papua New Guinea
Gunther Joku
Deputy Secretary
Department of Environment and Conservation
Andrew Taplin
Policy Adviser (volunteer)
Department of Environment and Conservation
Benson Ateng
Country Manager
World Bank
Jan-Jilles van der Hoeven
Deputy Resident Representative
UNDP
Gwen Maru
PNG GEF Program Analyst for Energy & Environment
UNDP
David Freyne
Attaché
EU
Michael McWalter
Consultant (Oil & Gas specialist) & Board Director
ADB, &
Transparency International PNG
Alistair Crozier
Deputy High Commissioner
New Zealand High Commission
Andrea Cole
Second Secretary
AusAID
Professor Lance Hill
Biology
University of South Pacific
David Melick
Country Program Officer
World Wildlife Fund for Nature
Paul Lokani
Melanesia Program Director, PNG & Solomon Islands
The Nature Conservancy
Dr Jane Mogina
Executive Director
PNG Mama Graun Conservation Trust Fund
Dr Annie Kajir
Executive Director
Environmental Law Centre
Paul J. Barker
Director
Institute of National Affairs
Samoa
Dr Steve Brown
Director Corporate Services (check)
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Luatutu Andréa Volunteras
Regional Technical Adviser
UNDP
Dr Keneti Faulalo
Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands
UNEP
Bruce Chapman
Program Manager Pacific Futures
SPREP
Joe Stanley
GEF Support Adviser
SPREP
Kate Brown-Vitolio

SPREP
Dr Frank K Griffen
Pollution Prevention & Waste Management Adviser
SPREP
Frank Wickham
Capacity Development Adviser
SPREP
Vainuupo Jungbut
Associate Ramsar Officer
SPREP
Tamara Logan
Education & Social Communications Officer
SPREP
Dr Helen Leslie
NZAid Manager & First Secretary
New Zealand High Commission
Adimaimalaga Tafunai
Executive Director
Women in Business Development Inc
Cedric Schuster
Director
Pacific Environment Consultants Ltd
James Atherton
Conservation Outcomes Manager, Pacific Islands
Conservation International
a. Fiji
Manasa Sovaki

Ministry Tourism & Environment
Jope Davetanivalu
Principal Environment Officer
MT&E
Garry Wiseman
Manager Pacific Centre
UNDP
Asenaca Ravuvu
Environment Unit Team Leader
UNDP
Isoa Korovulavula
Fellow, Environment Unit
Faculty of Science & Technology, University of South Pacific
Professor Kanayathu Koshy
Professor Environmental Chemistry,
Faculty of Islands & Oceans, University of South Pacific
Aleki Sisifa
Director Land Resources Division
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Steve Hazelman
Information Coordination & Extension
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Tagaloa Cooper
Regional Communications & Coordination Adviser
Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission
Dr Arthur Webb
Coastal Processes & Aggregates Adviser – EDF9
Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission
Dr Padma Lal
Sustainable Development Adviser
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Coral Pasisi
Regional & International Issues Adviser
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Johnson Honimae
Information Officer
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Taholo Kami
Regional Director, Regional Office for Oceania
The World Conservation Union, IUCN
Katabwena Tawaka
Program Manager-Information Sharing
Pacific Islands Association on Non Governmental Organizations
Sanivalati Avuka
Program Officer
World Wildlife Fund for Nature
Sefangia Nawadra
Fiji Program Manager
Conservation International
Carrie-Anne Best
Second Secretary, AusAID
Australian High Commission
Republic of Marshall Islands

Yumiko Chrisostomo
Director & GEF Operational Focal Point
Office of Environmental Planning & Policy & Planning Coordination
John Bungitak
General Manager
Environmental Protection Authority
Ted Tarkwon
Deputy General Manager
Environmental Protection Authority
Andrew Finlay
Environmental Adviser, Head of Land & Coastal Management Department
Environmental Protection Authority
Reginald White
Director
Weather Station
Rebecca Lorennij
Acting Secretary
MRND
Florence Edwards
Acting Chief Fisheries
Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority
Tregar Albon Ishoda
Policy Officer, Division Policy & Planning
Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority
Kino S Kabua
Undersecretary, Asia/Pacific Affairs Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Dolores de Brum-Kattil
General Manager
Marshall Islands Visitors Authority
Don J Hess
Chair, Math & Science Department
College of Marshall Islands
Dr Irene J Taafaki
Centre Director
University of South Pacific
Steve Why
Executive Director
Marshall Islands Conservation Society
Alson Kelen
Program Manager,
President
Waan Aelon in Majel,&
Marshall Islands Council of NGOs
Rachel Miller
Program Administrator
Waan Aelon in Majel
Roger A Cooper
General Manager
Majoro Atoll Waste Company
Marie L Maddison
Director,
Adviser
National Training Councils,
Women United Together Marshall Islands
Jack Niedenthal
Board Director,
President
Bank of Marshall Islands
Chamber of Commerce


[1] Views and Lessons: Effectiveness of the Global Environment Facility in the Pacific. Delta Networks and Pacific Environment Consultants, Final Report October 2004
[2] Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report, Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, 2007
[3] Investing in our Planet: Repositioning the GEF as a leading voice for the global environment, Communications and Outreach Strategy, November 2007
[4] Pacific Aid Effectiveness Principles, Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, Nadi Fiji, October 2006;
[5] Cost and location are yet to be discussed with the GEFSEC.
[6] Views and Lessons: Effectiveness of the Global Environment Facility in the Pacific. Delta Networks and Pacific Environment Consultants, Final Report October 2004.
[7] Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report, Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, 2007.
[8] Views and Lessons: Effectiveness of the Global Environment Facility in the Pacific Delta Networks and Pacific Environment Consultants, Final Report October 2004
[9] FEMM Endorses Forum Economic Action Plan 2007, media release issued July 12,, 2007.
[10] Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
[11] Dr Padma Lal, Sustainable Development Adviser, Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, Interview December 2007 & Garry Wiseman, UNDP Pacific Centre Manager, Suva Fiji .
[12] Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report, Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, 2007.
[13] GEF and Small Island Developing States: How the Global Environment Facility is working with Small Island Developing States for a Sustainable Future, April 2004.
[14] Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting, Port Moresby PNG, October 2005.
[15] Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report, Pacific Island Forum Secretariat 2007.
[16] Pacific Plan Annual Progress Report, Pacific Island Forum Secretariat 2007.
[17] Statement by Vice President Redley Killion on Micronesia Challenge Initiative at 8th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Curitiba, Brazil, 28 March 2006, http://www.fsmgov.org/fsmun/curitib0.htm .
[18] Island Nations Commit to Protect their Future: Communities, NGOs Applaud Leaders for Setting Significant Conservation Goals, The World Conservation Union (IUCN), News Release, 23 March 2006, Curitiba Brazil.

[19] Terminal Evaluation GEF/UNDP/SPREP Strategic Action Program for the International Waters of the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (RAS/98/G32), Fox, A. Tiraa, A. Raaymakers, S.
[20] Investing in Our Planet: Repositioning the GEF as a Leading Voice for the Global Environment, Communications and Outreach Strategy, November 2007.
[21] Views and Lessons: Effectiveness of the Global Environment Facility in the Pacific, Delta Networks and Pacific Environment Consultants, Final Report October 2004
Interviews with Operational Focal Points and delegates in Port Moresby, Majuro, Suva & Apia, November & December 2007
[22] Based on discussions with government departments, regional agencies, implementing agencies, and NGOs, respondents supported measures to improve communications between different stakeholders, to simplify systems and processes, and to raise community awareness. However there were diverging views on the need for a GEF-PAS secretariat, with many questions raised about the value of adding another institutional layer.
[23] Terminal Evaluation GEF/UNDP/SPREP Strategic Action Program for the International Waters of the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (RAS/98/G32), Fox, A. Tiraa, A. Raaymakers, S.

[24] Country Support Program sub-regional workshop for GEF Focal Points, East & Southeast Asia, Bangkok, Thailand, 2-3 April 2007.
[25] Country Support Program sub-regional workshop for GEF Focal Points, East & Southeast Asia, Bangkok, Thailand, 2-3 April 2007.
[26] Interviews Port Moresby, Majuro, Suva & Apia in November & December 2007.
[27] Investing in our Planet: Repositioning the GEF as a Leading Voice for the Global Environment, Communications and Outreach Strategy, November 2007.
[28] Aid and the Environment – Building Resilience, Sustaining Growth: An Environment Strategy for Australian Aid, August 2007.
[29] AusAID discussion, Canberra, Australia January 2007, Elisa Anderson, Roberta Thornton, Terry Hills.
[30] Views and Lessons: Effectiveness of the Global Environment Facility in the Pacific, Delta Networks and Pacific Environment Consultants, October 2004.